The Ghost Monkeys

A young adult horror novel that masterfully blends mystery, suspense, and the supernatural with a subtle yet powerful social critique. Victoria Bayona immerses readers in a dark and addictive plot through the eyes of Sergio Magallán, a psychologist specializing in communicating with spirits to help them “cross over to the other side.”
The story begins when Estela Camargo, the zoo manager, hires Sergio to investigate strange apparitions in the old monkey cage. What seems like a simple case of animal ghosts soon reveals itself to be the tip of a macabre iceberg: the disappearances of children and adults in the Las Ciencias neighborhood are inextricably linked to the sinister experiments of a brilliant but disturbed scientist.
Bayona builds an agile narrative with short chapters that maintain a breakneck pace. The novel goes far beyond a simple scare; it explores profound themes like scientific obsession, ethics, the loss of humanity, and the cruel paradox of enclosing living beings for public “admiration.” The final twist, involving an unexpected character, is both devastating and brilliant.
Juan Chavetta’s illustrations, with their characteristic style that blends vintage and sinister elements, add a mysterious and dark atmosphere to the book.
The Ghost Monkeys is a gripping read that demonstrates that true horror does not always come from the beyond, but from human ambition and madness.

Key points

• Award-winning title by IBBY Argentina and Cuatrogatos Foundation.
• A horror novel with depth: it blends supernatural suspense with a powerful reflection on scientific ethics and animal cruelty.
• A shocking ending that completely redefines the story and leaves a lasting impact.